Checking the “Where’s My Refund” function on the IRS website, taxpayers have likely received the phrase “Your return is being processed.” In rare instances, this warning may remain for weeks or months.
The message may be frustrating if it continues appearing repeatedly, but it contains good news.
According to Howard Samuels, a certified public accountant at Samuels & Associates, the IRS: received your tax return,” so there was no problem.
Historically, the IRS has been able to process and provide refunds for most returns within 21 calendar days after receipt. But the agency has run into a large backlog since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic due to a combination of personnel shortages and more complex reports that include government stimulus program money.
The IRS has reassigned 1,200 staff to answer phones and aid with the backlog. It stated in a statement last month that it anticipates disbursing the majority of tax returns within 21 days this tax season. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t be shocked if your reimbursement is delayed.
“I would recommend waiting at least four to six weeks,” Samuels stated. After that, you may contact the IRS to determine what is happening.
Some measures may be taken to prevent delays. As previously reported by GOBankingRates, these include submitting your return online, selecting direct deposit, verifying that all the information is valid, signing the return before sending it and delivering it to the correct IRS processing center.
In the event that you believe your tax return is taking longer than usual to arrive, you should contact the IRS. Just do so at the appropriate moment. Acorns observed, citing data from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, that people who called the agency with tax return questions in 2016 had a 1 in 9 chance of receiving a response. Those who were able to reach a representative waited an average of 23 minutes before being connected.
“Your best bet is to call as soon as the IRS opens at 7 a.m. ET in the morning,” Samuels said. “I’ve also heard that some people have success if they phone the IRS between 6 and 6:30 p.m. [Eastern] just before the office shuts at 7 p.m.”
You should remember that the IRS must pay interest on refunds that have been delayed excessively. If you do not get your refund within 45 days of this year’s April 18 filing deadline, which is June 2, the IRS will owe you interest.